Author: Bret Gordon
This year has definitely been one for the books. In what is sure to drive my haters insane, 2021 has probably been my most successful and adventurous year to date. Of course, people define "success" in many ways so I figured I'd break it all down and share my life for the last 12 months.
First and foremost, I am grateful for all the new friendships and connections I've made this past year. In the Aiki world, I was finally able to connect with Bill Dockery (author of the "Aiki Secrets" book series). Visiting the "Mojo" in Orient, Ohio, to work out with Bill, I was blessed to also meet Moe Stevens and Joel Copeland of Tomiki Aikido, Chris Parkerson of Yanagi Hara Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, and Tim Wolfe and Jimmy Alcorn of Black Panther Gongfu. It was a great workout with a ton of information being shared from everyone, just the way martial arts should be. In August, Chris, Tim and Jimmy came down to my school for our annual Taikai and shared with us there as well.
2021 Taikai Morning Session
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2021 Taikai Afternoon Session
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We were also joined at the Taikai by Ismael Franco of the Daito Ryu Tora Dojo, who later in the week held another class at my dojo as well. It was great getting to compare and contrast our styles of Aiki Jujutsu, finding many commonalities in our personal views on aiki and its practical applications. I had met Izzy once before a few years ago, but getting to share this much time together really allowed us to get to know each other as martial artists and it's great to now consider him a friend.
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In the Judo world, I have been able to share the mat with some the highest level athletes in the country. I took my group to work out with Lakea Vargas (US National Team Member) during his Judo class at a local BJJ school several times, and the most recent time I was asked to teach as well.
Later in the year, I was honored to meet Olympian Lauren Meece and invite her to train with us. She's been a constant in my dojo for the last month or so, both sharing her expertise and jumping in with my regular Judo class. Next year we'll have some exciting news to share as well... And of course there's Luis Hernandez. I've known Luis since I was about 16, though this was the first year we've really gotten close. Despite having 28+ years in Judo, earning his brown belt when AnnMaria De Mars was head of the USJA, for one reason or another Luis had never been given an opportunity to test for his shodan. Well, the entire purpose of our organization is to help others and provide them with training, networking, advancement opportunities or whatever else they need to grow in the martial arts. When my teacher, Steven Hatfield, came down to my dojo in August we surprised Luis with a long overdue promotion that was later registered with the USATKJ. |
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Lauren Meece
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Lakea Vargas
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Luis Hernandez
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And though we're not a sport school, I decided to bring one of my students, John Youngblood, out to a local grappling tournament just for fun and see how he'd do. In a very tough match against a fighter from Fusion X-Cel, the top BJJ and MMA gym in my area with numerous pro fighters, my student John came home with gold in submission grappling. We'll definitely be looking at other competitions for 2022...
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Over the summer, we found out that the building we were leasing for our school was being sold and the new landlord would not be renewing our lease. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as we were able to find a wonderful location in a fairly busy shopping center.
While we are still partnered with American Dragon Martial Arts, for which I remain co-owner and oversee the Taekwondo program for both youth and adults, this is the first time since 2015 that my school of Trio Martial Arts Academy is not subleasing from another business. Since holding our first class in the new location on August 1st, we have tripled our combined enrollment... Experiencing growth I didn't think was possible for us!
While we are still partnered with American Dragon Martial Arts, for which I remain co-owner and oversee the Taekwondo program for both youth and adults, this is the first time since 2015 that my school of Trio Martial Arts Academy is not subleasing from another business. Since holding our first class in the new location on August 1st, we have tripled our combined enrollment... Experiencing growth I didn't think was possible for us!
At the start of the year, I was humbled to receive recognition from the All Japan Budo Association, which is one of the fastest growing and prestigious organizations. While the international headquarters is in Serbia, the AJBA operates out of Okayama, Japan, and is recognized by the Japanese government. Many prominent instructors from both Japan and Okinawa have begun supporting the AJBA, and so to be included among them is a tremendous honor.
6th Dan - Aiki Budo
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Shihan Title
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Speaking of Japan, I booked my first international seminar this year! I was invited to teach Aiki Jujutsu in Hokkaido in October, but due to covid travel restrictions we've had to postpone until June 2022. Hopefully we do not need to keep pushing it back as being asked to share my art in Japan is a dream come true.
On a more personal note, I've gotten engaged this year to a wonderful woman who is both passionate about martial arts in her own right and supportive of my dreams as well. They say behind every great man is an incredible woman, and it's true. I would not have been able to make it through 2021 and accomplish half of what I've done without her by my side.
On a more personal note, I've gotten engaged this year to a wonderful woman who is both passionate about martial arts in her own right and supportive of my dreams as well. They say behind every great man is an incredible woman, and it's true. I would not have been able to make it through 2021 and accomplish half of what I've done without her by my side.
So as this year comes to a close, I can only look with anticipation on what 2022 has to offer. Between starting with a new security firm to further my personal career, my wedding in January, our Taikai in Ohio in March, and teaching in Japan in June, next year is already shaping up to surpass this one in both excitement and growth. To all my readers, both those who support me and those who don't, I wish you many blessings and success in all your endeavors.
The Island of Misfit Toys
